2019 Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay
92 points
Wine Enthusiast
Fresh and vibrant with penetrating aromas of candied ginger, summer melon and green apple. Notes of lightly toasted almond, vanilla bean and lemon cream flesh out the fascinatingly complex and layered nose. Bright and fruit forward in the mouth, the sense of freshness is reinforced by cascades of bright acid enlivening the ripe peach and spicy pear flavors. The mouthwatering and exquisitely fresh and pure finish resonates and cleanses. This is a great addition to our portfolio of world-class Chardonnays.
2019 is proving to be an excellent year. The modestly wet winter lead to an unusual spring with six inches of rain falling in late May. The extra water caused particularly strong vine canopy growth necessitating extra leaf pulling to improve air flow and suppress diseases. No significant problems persisted as the vines moved into a delightful summer, with nicely warm days tempered by cool afternoon winds from the Pacific. Crop levels were average, with most sites needing very little thinning to achieve optimum balance. Harvest weather was particularly pleasant, with the fruit ripening evenly, and critically, not too quickly. The 2019 wines are showing rich, supple structures supported by juicy, fresh fruit flavors and clearly defined vineyard characters. These precocious, delicious wines should require less cellar time before reaching an ideal drinking stage.
The Soberanes Vineyard, located in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands, builds upon a tradition of high-quality winegrowing. The vineyard is a special project between the Pisoni and Franscioni families, whose friendship spans three generations and are known for the Pisoni, Garys', Rosella’s and Sierra Mar Vineyards. We made this wine for the first time in 2018. We are thrilled to be working with this outstanding St. Lucia Highlands vineyard after admiring other Soberanes Vineyard wines for years.
100% Whole-cluster pressed
100% Burgundian French oak barrels (28% new; 72% 1-3-year old)
Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential
- Type:
- White
- Varietal:
- Chardonnay
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Santa Lucia Highlands
- Vintage:
- 2019
- Blend:
- 100% Chardonnay fruit
- Aging:
- Sur lie aged with weekly stirring
- Alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Fermentation:
- 100% indigenous yeast fermentations; 100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel